Second QB slot results in same mindset for Texans’ Keenum

Case Keenum plans to keep everything the same: his focus, his mindset, his delivery on and off the field. But Keenum’s role will be different Saturday against Miami and the Texans will be watching.

The team’s No. 3 quarterback will hold the No. 2 role when the Texans play their second preseason game at Reliant Stadium. Keenum entered the week surrounded by minor backup QB drama that was fueled more by the media than an actual controversy. But after completing 13-of-18 passes for 125 yards and one touchdown last Friday during the Texans’ 27-13 victory at Minnesota, a second consecutive strong showing could increase the competition for the right to follow Matt Schaub on the depth chart.

“It’s the same process that I go through every game, every practice, every time I’m going out there to take a snap,” said Keenum, who’s expected to take the field against the Dolphins after Schaub goes through limited reps. “That’s the same mental process, the same physical process and just go out and try to do the best that I can do.”

Backup QB T.J. Yates looked stronger during practice this week and the trend continued Thursday during the final day of training camp. Yates was on target while Keenum at times was off and could be seen challenging himself to display improved accuracy in red-zone situations.

Yates is entering his third pro season, went 13-for-21 with 151 yards and a TD against the Vikings and has thrown for 987 yards during his brief career. Keenum has yet to take a legitimate NFL snap. But he’ll receive the initial post-Schaub flurry Saturday in a Houston return for the ex-Cougar.

“He’s got another game plan that came at him this week. He’s got more to digest,” Texans head coach Gary Kubiak said. “Can he go handle that with the group like he did last week? He’s probably going to play against a little bit different level of competition from the standpoint of when he goes into the football game this week against Miami. You’re just looking for him to progress like any other player.”

Twitter: ChronBrianSmith

After Case Keenum's performance against the Vikings, should he be Matt Schaub's backup instead of T.J. Yates?